All Of It Podcast Summary: Indie Rock From The Ophelias

Episode Title: Indie Rock From The Ophelias
Host: Alison Stewart
Release Date: August 15, 2025
Podcast: All Of It by WNYC
Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, engaging thinkers, doers, makers, and creators in discussions about the what and why of their work.

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the vibrant world of indie rock with an in-depth conversation featuring The Ophelias, an acclaimed band originally from Cincinnati, now making waves in New York City. The discussion centers around their highly anticipated fourth album, "Spring Grove," produced by Julian Baker of Boygenius.

Album Preview and Live Performance

The episode kicks off with a special live performance by The Ophelias, featuring their new single "Cumulonimbus." The performance showcases the band's dynamic range and lyrical depth, setting the stage for the detailed conversation to follow.

Notable Lyrics from "Cumulonimbus":

Mick Adams [01:14]: "Not like I could have told the future but it makes sense."
Joe Schaeffer [02:14]: "On the back window cursing at nothing, smashing the tail lights and waving hello."
Spencer Pepitt [04:56]: "You locked in the trunk of the car are going to start to bang."

In-Depth Interview Highlights

1. Song Selection Process

Alison Stewart initiates the conversation by inquiring about the band's unique method of selecting songs for the album using rank-choice voting.

Spencer Pepitt [05:13]:
"Yeah, so it was me, my three bandmates and our producer, Julian Baker of Boygenius, etc. I sent her a Google Drive folder of, I think, 20-something songs. And so everyone made a rank choice list of their favorites. And, you know, it was like three absolute non-negotiables and then the rest that we would like to do. And it was cool. A lot of people had the same favorites, which ended up, you know, the one we just played was the first single from the record, and that was on everyone's list."

This collaborative approach ensured that the album "Spring Grove" reflects the collective vision of the band members and their producer.

2. Album Title: "Spring Grove"

The title "Spring Grove" holds significant meaning for the band, tying back to a personal connection with a cemetery in Cincinnati.

Spencer Pepitt [05:58]:
"Yeah, you know, that is also a song on the record. And we didn't know what the record was going to be called when we recorded it. And we did that song and we were driving home and Mick, our drummer, and Andrea, our violinist, who is in grad school right now, so she's not here with us, but the two of them said that has to be the title for the record. So I don't know. I like it when they tell me what the title should be. I like that."

The title encapsulates the album's themes of reflection and transition, mirroring the band's own journey.

3. Collaboration with Producer Julian Baker

Working with Julian Baker marked a pivotal moment for The Ophelias, enhancing the album's production quality and creative direction.

Spencer Pepitt [06:38]:
"I mean, it was a huge honor. Like, I kind of can't even accurately express that. Yeah, she had sung harmonies on another song of ours from our previous record. And we got a call, like, a couple weeks after she did that, and they said she wants to produce her next record and."

Julian Baker's influence is evident in the album's warm and inviting studio atmosphere, as well as the band's polished sound.

Spencer Pepitt [07:24]:
"We kept everything set up so we could move between different stations. So if something wasn't working or we were getting frustrated and couldn't play a part, or for whatever reason, we would just kind of move around. It felt very fluid."

Her ability to "control time" in the studio allowed the band to explore their creativity without the usual time constraints.

4. Defining "Moth Music"

The Ophelias describe their music as "moth music," a term coined by their violinist Andrea during the band's inception in high school.

Spencer Pepitt [08:25]:
"Andrea coined that term when we started the band in high school, which is crazy. I think I know now what it means. Like, 10 years later. I would say it means cathartic, orchestral indie rock."

This genre blend highlights the band's unique sound, combining emotional depth with intricate instrumentation.

5. Exploring Identity and Trans Representation

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the band's exploration of identity, particularly focusing on members Joe Schaeffer and Mick Adams, who are both trans.

Spencer Pepitt [09:08]:
"You know, I think I kind of feel like all music is about identity, whoever is writing it. So as we kind of started to explore these other facets for context, Joe, our bassist, and Mick, our drummer, are both trans. Mick is a trans man. Joe is a trans woman. And that stuff kind of bubbled up over the last few years, and they both came out, and I don't know, hearing them talk about it in this press cycle has been so wonderful and so illuminating."

The band emphasizes that their evolving identities have significantly influenced their music, leading to more confident and authentic expressions.

Spencer Pepitt [09:08]:
"I feel like you don't often get to have, you know, trans people in conversation with each other, talking about something like a record that we have made together. Right. So I'll just kind of parrot what they said, which is it feels like we've all gotten a lot more confident in ourselves, and I think that is reflected in the music that we've made."

This authenticity resonates throughout "Spring Grove," making it a landmark album in their discography.

6. Anticipation for Tour and Live Shows

With the album release imminent, the band expresses immense excitement about the upcoming North American tour.

Spencer Pepitt [10:37]:
"You know, it took a long time for this album to come out. We've been sitting on it for, like, three years. I mean, mixing it took a long time. And getting it kind of ready to enter the world just took longer. And so I have been joking. I kind of feel like I've been pregnant for like three years."

The band likens the album release to a birth, signifying the culmination of years of hard work and creativity.

Spencer Pepitt [10:37]:
"I'm really thrilled to kind of birth, I guess, the record into the world. Yeah, I'm really excited about these shows. I feel like our live set has gotten. You wouldn't be able to tell from this, but a lot louder. We're in a library, so we're being very quiet. But I feel like our live set has definitely gotten tighter and louder and more complex over the last few years. And I'm excited to play a lot of these songs live for the first time at these shows."

The upcoming performances promise a more robust and intricate live experience, reflecting the band's artistic growth.

Live Performances Featured in the Episode

1. "Cumulonimbus"
The episode features a live rendition of "Cumulonimbus," highlighting the band's ability to blend poetic lyrics with compelling melodies.

Notable Lyrics:

Mick Adams [01:56]: "You locked in the trunk of the car are going to start to bang."
Joe Schaeffer [02:14]: "On the back window cursing at nothing, smashing the tail lights and waving hello."

2. "Open Sky"
Later in the episode, The Ophelias perform "Open Sky," a song that continues to showcase their lyrical storytelling and dynamic instrumentation.

Notable Lyrics:

Mick Adams [11:51]: "Control me in your back pocket again I'm sorry for everything he said I don't see you anymore it's been three years I'm better off."
Joe Schaeffer [12:30]: "For you."

3. "Vulture Tree"
The final live performance, "Vulture Tree," encapsulates the band's mastery in creating emotionally charged and thematically rich music.

Notable Lyrics:

Mick Adams [15:36]: "Reconvene at the vulture tree count 117 days I scrubbed at the stain in the corners."
Joe Schaeffer [16:11]: "Get rid of you I have to burn effigy."

Conclusion

The Ophelias' episode on All Of It offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the band's creative process, thematic explorations, and the journey behind their latest album, "Spring Grove." With heartfelt discussions on identity, collaboration with Julian Baker, and an excited anticipation for their North American tour, The Ophelias showcase their growth and commitment to authentic expression in indie rock.

Upcoming in All Of It:
After a brief break, Alison Stewart previews the next hour's content, including a discussion with Tony Award-winning playwright Brandon Jacobs Jenkins and actors Harry Lennox and John Michael Hill about the new Broadway play "Purpose." Additionally, an analysis of the recent New York Times article "The Gen X Career Meltdown" is featured.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Spencer Pepitt [05:13]: "A lot of people had the same favorites, which ended up... on everyone's list."
• Spencer Pepitt [07:24]: "Julian can control time... it felt like we were on the right side of the clock somehow."
• Spencer Pepitt [08:25]: "Moth music means cathartic, orchestral indie rock."
• Spencer Pepitt [09:08]: "Our music reflects a lot more confidence in ourselves."
• Spencer Pepitt [10:37]: "I kind of feel like I've been pregnant for like three years."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of The Ophelias' appearance on All Of It, highlighting their artistic journey, collaborative spirit, and the heartfelt themes that define their music.